The Candida auris fungus is more lethal than ever after making a reoccurrence. Rapidly taking lives, the Candida auris fungus invades countries around the world.    

What is Candida auris? 

Candida auris is a species of fungus that grows as yeast. It develops into a severe fungal infection, candidiasis, acquired in hospitals through skin contact and contaminated surfaces by patients with weakened immune systems.   

Where is the fungus from? 

Candida auris originates from four distinct geographical clades: South and East Asia, South Africa, and South America, with a possible fifth clade originating from Iran. Genetic differences between the clades suggest that C. auris emerged independently in the geographic locations. 

Where is it in the U.S.?  

Initially confined to New York City and Chicago, Candida auris is present in more than half of U.S. states. Between 2019 and 2021, 17 states identified their first cases.  

How does C. auris attack the body?  

Once entering the bloodstream, C. auris typically lives on the skin and inside the body, mouth, throat, gut, and genital areas without causing problems. More severely, C. auris causes bloodstream and ear infections and wound infections.  

How do I prevent myself from contracting C. auris?  

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or applying an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should prevent you from Candida auris. Healthcare providers should follow infection prevention and control measures, such as the proper use of gowns and gloves.  

What Does the CDC think about this?   

The CDC deemed Candida auris an “urgent threat” because it is often multidrug-resistant, quickly spreads through healthcare facilities, and can cause deadly diseases. It is also resistant to common disinfectants and can be carried on people’s skin without causing symptoms, facilitating its spread to others.  

“The rapid rise and geographic spread of cases is concerning and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance, expanded lab capacity, quicker diagnostic tests, and adherence to proven infection prevention and control,” said CDC epidemiologist Dr. Meghan Lyman, lead author of the study.  

How is Candida auris a threat in 2023?  

The fungus invades the blood, heart, and brain, causing widespread deaths. More than 1 in 3 patients die from the infection. Becoming resistant to antibiotics, C. auris severely threatens older people. Therefore, science must invent new techniques to defeat the lethal fungus.   

Chavez, Janelle. “An Emerging Fungal Threat Spread at an Alarming Rate in US Health Care Facilities, Study Says.” CNN, Cable News Network, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/20/health/fungus-candida-auris-increase/index.html.